For a riveted joint not exposed to weather, what is the recommended distance from the rivet line to the nearest plate edge, expressed as a multiple of the thickness t of the thinner outside plate?

Introduction / Context:
In plate fabrication with riveted or bolted joints, layout dimensions such as edge distance and pitch are governed by practical fabrication limits and plate buckling considerations. For joints not exposed to weather (i.e., not required to be watertight), the spacing from the rivet line to the plate edge helps prevent edge tearing and local buckling while keeping the connection economical.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Joint type: riveted, not exposed to weather.
• Parameter: distance from rivet line to the nearest plate edge.
• Reference thickness: t is the thickness of the thinner outside plate in the joint.

Concept / Approach:
The distance from the line of fasteners to the free edge must be sufficient to limit out-of-plane deformation between the fastener row and the edge and to provide adequate net section for force transfer. Traditional detailing rules specify multiples of plate thickness to maintain stiffness and fabrication tolerance, with a commonly accepted value for non-watertight joints being 12 t.

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